Ullmark overcomes emotions, Devils in winning return for Senators

Linus Ullmark's first start since stepping away for a personal leave of absence was never going to be just another game.

From the opening puck drop to the final horn, the veteran goaltender battled more than just the opposition, channelling a gamut of emotions into an impressive 26-save performance in a 4-1 win over the New Jersey Devils Saturday night that underscored both his resilience and his importance in the crease.

The Ottawa Senators netminder made his first start since taking a leave on Dec. 28. In a recent interview, Ullmark shared that he was dealing with mental health issues and had experienced anxiety during his last appearance against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Dec. 27.

"It felt like I've been gone for so long that there was an excitement," admitted Ullmark. "I was nervous, which I haven't been in a long time, and that's positive."

The Senators announced Saturday morning that Ullmark would start, and fans marked the occasion with signs welcoming him back. A sellout crowd at Canadian Tire Centre cheered as he took the ice, and his teammates lined up to congratulate him after the game.

"At the end there, also during the lineup, it was really hard holding it together," Ullmark said. "And I didn't want to hold it together, also. It's one of the things that I've been working on is just letting the feelings flow a little bit. There's nothing bad about that, in a way."

Ullmark even received a welcome back from referee Justin Kee, who took a moment early in the game to offer his support for the goaltender. The two had played together in the American Hockey League in Rochester.

Ullmark credited his teammates for what he called a gritty effort. He also acknowledged they have been instrumental during this time away.

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